Russell Toomey, Jake Ellis Scott, Matt Clarke and Tom Hall make up exciting rock and roll group Denim Snakes, a four-piece from Barry in South Wales.
Coming together in 2013, the four inject passion into their material and continue to climb the rungs of the music industry ladder, making their presence felt more and more with each step.
Female First got the opportunity to put some questions to the group about their sound, what their plans are for the future and much more in a new and exclusive interview. Read on to find out what Russell had to say.
For those who may be new to your music, how best would you describe your sound?
We're very melody driven, if a song doesn't stick in your head like a dart after the first listen then we won't record it. It's ultimately rock music, laced with pop sensibilities. The lyrical content and delivery comes from a deep seated anger, lust, confusion. We feel the intensity when writing the songs because they're so personal and honest.
What challenges have you faced in the music industry so far?
Fingers crossed it's been very welcoming in most areas so far. Trying to gain the attention of a decent booking agent has surpassed us as of yet but it's still early days. We fund everything through being own promoters so the money from that has helped us with the financial side.
How difficult would you say this career path is in terms of making a name for yourself?
It is very difficult as there are so many options for people musically nowadays. So many brands in a shop and which do you choose, the one you've heard of and is cheap or the more personal boutique product. It's also fleeting as well, so once you do engage a fanbase you have to keep them interested. Once you start getting good airplay and better gigs people start to notice. It's all about keeping good working relationships with everyone industry wise and also the relationships with your fans.
How important is it for you to have creative control over the work you produce?
It's everything, we would rather be relatively unknown than let anyone else have control. We're not in this for notoriety or money, it's the chance to express ourselves that we find therapeutic and most rewarding.
Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work?
We name a few bands usually but that would white wash our influences if we did, so much music to draw from. Each member has their own taste as well, we love rock, pop, hip hop, punk but no, and we repeat, no jazz please.
If you could collaborate with anybody going forward, who would you choose and why?
Has to be Arcade Fire, they are so accomplished musically and in their songwriting.
Tell us a random, funny fact about you that not many people know.
I once walked from our hometown Barry to a gig of ours in London. Took me four days but only got to Marlborough because the gig got cancelled. Didn't walk home though, treated myself to a train.
Do you have definitive aims or goals for your career?
Yes our aim is just to connect with as many people as possible. Goal would be to stay together for as long as everyone in the band is happy and to make sure we stay friends if that departure came.
Where do you hope to be this time next year?
Hanging out with Snoop Dogg drinking gin N' juice! Nah, we hope to have our second album released by November this year so hopefully we'll be touring that and writing more.
What should we expect from you in the coming weeks and months?
We have the first single 'Stronger' from our second album being released on the 7th of August, we're currently completing the seven day filming schedule for the singles video so that will be available soon. Also our album is planned for release in November!